War Memorial Lion

The rugged granite lion was designed by an Aberdeen sculptor, William Macmillan RA (1877-1927) and the work carried out by James Philip, using silver-grey granite from Kemnay. This is lighter in colour than the granite quarried from Rubislaw.

The lead mason was James Philip assisted by George Cooper. Arthur Taylor's granite yard was in Jute Street and it was from this yard that James Philip produced works of notable skill and artisitic merit including: work for the Titanic memorial in Liverpool and Inverurie war memorial, as well as the statue of Edward VII in Aberdeen.

The sculpture was unveiled on 29th September 1925 when King George V opened the new Cowdray Hall and Art Museum.

William Macmillan is also recognised for designing the World War I Victory Medal.